Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth was born in 1886 into a family which had owned Gawthorpe since the 14th century. Her remarkable grandfather, James Kay-Shuttleworth, has been described as "the father of popular education in England." Her father Ughtred, a prominent Liberal politician, was created Baron Shuttleworth in 1902. Rachel's mother Blanche was an able needlewoman and committed to social welfare; Rachel spoke of visiting the sick and "sewing red petticoats for the poor."

She enjoyed many of the benefits of her privileged position As well as being a debutante, Rachel benefited from regular visits to the family's other homes in London and Barbon, near Kirkby Lonsdale; school in Sussex, study in Paris and frequent trips abroad. She was able to study all aspects of art, learn lacemaking and begin collecting examples of textile crafts.

Rachel Beatrice Kay-Shuttleworth